Need to switch it up...

[Bilal123]

Hey guys, I've been doing well over the past year and a half with the workouts I've been doing. I've gone from 175 to about 225 (hard training, two bulking cycles that have gone great for me, plus an awesome diet and lots of rest) and have increased a lot in when it comes to strength. The thing is I need to switch to some more functional training for the next couple months though. I'm getting ready to go to the fire academy, so I need to train my muscles to handle the activities related to that.

Does anyone have any ideas where I can start?

 

[Cork]

If you're already strong, you'll just want to improve your conditioning. I don't know the exact training that FF go through, but I would suggest a lot of sandbag work combined with HIIT.

 

[wisco]

What Cork said is right if you are strong you just need to improve conditioning. Build your muscle endurance and cardio, but still do some heavy lifting to keep strength up. A lot of leg, back and shoulders.

If you have the tools- carry weight up stairs, use the hell out of the step mill, and pull sleds.

 

[Bilal123]

Cool. I use sandbags, wear a weight vest and then carry those up this massive sand dune in Manhattan Beach. The other ideas you brought up are good too... Any other suggestions?

 

[Bilal123]

I usually hit the gym 3 days a week (push, legs, and pull). I do my dune workout every saturday... what would a typical week look like if I were to do more functional training?

 

[aminoman74]

Do cardio stay heavy on the weights and eat proper.

 

[wister]

what did you decide to do? It always amazes me when I see an out of shape cop or firefighter. We need more people like you on departments that understand being in the proper shape is part of the job.

 

[Bilal123]

what did you decide to do? It always amazes me when I see an out of shape cop or firefighter. We need more people like you on departments that understand being in the proper shape is part of the job.

I just picked up a heavier weight vest, kettle bells, and some more sand bags today. I'm still thinking about it, but I'm going to find a way to incorporate functional training into my routine. Maybe every other week? Not sure yet...

 

[wister]

When I trained for fights in MMA I would incorporate the following 8 weeks out from a fight: Turning over tires (large ones) 2x per week , Run stairs (stadium, flights etc..)(you will have to do this when you enter a building) with weight vest do for 20 minutes 2 x per week, 6 count squat thrust, pushup with a jump at the end with weight vest work up to 20 min's 2 x per week. These three things will definetly increase your cardio and be benefical to your job, but you will end up losing some of your size. Good luck

 

[grotto72]

strong man events like tyre flip, super yoke and carry n drag medley